Investigating Organ Formation while Advancing Education for Historically Underserved Students
Nathalia G. Holtzman Ph.D.
Dr. Holtzman’s Research
includes cardiovascular development and the impact of environmental toxins on embryonic development, as well as educational research. If you are interested in joining the team or collaborating on a science or education project, please contact Dr. Holtzman. I am currently serving as the Associate Provost of Innovation and Student Success.
Science Research
Dr. Holtzman’s laboratory is investigates the molecular and cellular basis of organ formation. Organogenesis requires the specification of diverse cell types and a variety of coordinated cellular movements, cell shape changes, and cellular interactions. Small changes in any of these steps caused by genetic defects, disease and environmental toxin exposure can lead to devastating consequences on organ formation and function, which can ultimately lead to the death of the animal.
Education Research
Dr. Holtzman values quality education at all levels. She has taught bio105, the first of the biology classes for the major at Queens College, City University of New York. With support from a Department of Education HSI-STEM grant, she demonstrated that targeted pedagogical changes significantly improved student outcomes in this introductory course.
As the Associate Director of the Queens College, Center for Teacher and Learning for 5 years Dr. Holtzman focused on training faculty in educational pedagogy though workshops, seminars and online courses. A second educational focus area was developing cross campus quantitative reasoning curriculum, a historic area of weakens for our students.
In the summer of 2020, Dr. Holtzman became the Chair of the Biology Department and is providing support for faculty during the COVID required transition to online learning and return to research on campus.
Student Success
As the Associate Provost of Innovation and Student Success, I am able to work with all undergraduate students on campus to provide the academic support and career education needed for long term success. In this role, I oversee the Learning Commons and Writing Center which provides workshops and tutoring, the First Year Experience which supports all incoming students, the Experiential Education Department and Career Center which provide integrated career support and the Office of Honors and Scholars. In addition, I oversee several Educational Grants funded by the NSF, DOE, CUNY and several non-profit organizations.
